Canadian tenor Michael Burgess dies at age 70, family friend says

Famed Canadian tenor Michael Burgess died Monday at age 70.

Bruce Bowser says Burgess died in a Toronto hospice on Monday evening surrounded by members of his family.

Burgess had been battling cancer for a number of years and was best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the Toronto production of “Les Misérables.”

He also took the role across Canada on the first national tour of the production as well as appearing for the 10th anniversary concert at Royal Albert Hall in London.

Burgess was also known to hockey fans for singing the national anthem for many years at Toronto Maple Leafs home games and was the first person to sing “O Canada” at a World Series baseball game.

Bowser says a funeral for Burgess is planned for Oct. 5.

Agencies/Canadajournal